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Inside the city, there was no peace to be found.

A portion of the Dingbei Army had already infiltrated the city. As soon as the conflict erupted, these individuals began to pillage and create chaos, throwing the populace into turmoil.

The royal forces and major clans mobilized a significant number of troops to quell the rebellion within the city.

However, the rebels had disguised themselves so well that it was nearly impossible to distinguish friend from foe.

Similar scenes played out in various corners of Tianjing City. Groups that had gathered, either in hiding or preparing to counter-attack, suddenly found themselves under attack by the rebels, catching them off guard.

With the enemy having more advantage, capturing the rebel forces within the city proved exceedingly difficult. Often, the rebels would sow chaos in one area, and by the time reinforcements arrived, they had already fled to another.

The continuous repetition of this pattern led to few casualties among the rebels but depleted the support forces, leading to internal conflicts and achieving little progress.

This situation struck fear into the hearts of the citizens of Tianjing City.

At this moment, on a street that had just endured a violent upheaval, survivors, overwhelmed by fear, found it entirely natural to express their frustrations.

“The Dingbei Army is Chengyuan’s pride, defending our northern borders for thousands of miles. Duke Dingbei is renowned for his unwavering loyalty and commitment to our nation. So, why this sudden rebellion? What on earth happened?”

A young man dressed as a scholar snorted, “You still don’t know? The Dingbei Army has been driven to the brink! If they weren’t pushed to their limits, why would they choose to besiege the city, even if it means bearing the label of ‘rebels’? They were once the most respected and admired soldiers!”

“Your words carry a deeper meaning, sir. Who do you believe has pushed the Dingbei Army to rebel? Have the Emperor and the court lost their minds? Don’t they realize that their stability depends on the Dingbei Army’s loyalty?”

The scholar curled the corner of his mouth and said, “Well, who else could it be? It’s none other than the recently unrivaled Gu family’s First Lady, Gu Qingluan!”

“What does she have to do with this?”

The scholar elaborated, “Have you heard about Miss Gu Qingluan’s recent actions? She vandalized the Gu family’s sign, expelled her own family members from their home, showed no regard for her elders, and mistreated her own siblings! While publicly, the Gu family claims their matriarch is bedridden due to illness, it’s clear she was poisoned and left paralyzed by Gu Qingluan. As for the second son and fourth daughter of the Gu family, one is unable to speak, and the other is physically handicapped, all thanks to Gu Qingluan’s deeds! If she treats her own family in such a manner, one can only imagine how she deals with outsiders. I overheard a Dingbei Army soldier saying their leader, Duke Dingbei, was killed by Gu Qingluan, yet the Emperor chose to shield her.

Can you blame the Dingbei Army for feeling disheartened? Can you blame them for rebelling?”

“I can’t believe it! This Gu Qingluan is no ordinary person! How could she commit such heinous acts?”

“I’ve heard a bit about her history. A few years ago, she was meant to be engaged to the Fifth Prince, but she became entangled in an extramarital affair while still unmarried. It’s bad enough to cheat, but she even became pregnant before marriage! A woman like her probably has no understanding of decency and modesty.”

“But why would she want to kill Duke Dingbei?”

“Why else! Someone like her likely has a rotten heart. She doesn’t need a motive to harm others!”

“Why is the Emperor protecting her? Look at what Tianjing City has become now, from its former prosperity and peace!”

“She must have used some means to deceive the Emperor!”

“This is infuriating! Just because of her, so many of us have suffered!”

The scholar sighed. “Indeed, the Dingbei Army said that if we hand over the criminal Gu Qingluan, they will withdraw their troops. All the suffering we’ve endured today is her doing!”

“Where is she now? Let’s go and arrest her! Hand her over to the Dingbei Army!”

“I agree!”

“Count me in!”

In the crowd, the incendiary scholar wore a strange smile.

Similar scenes played out in various locations. Those who had recently experienced violence, lost their homes, and harbored a reservoir of negative emotions were easily stirred by a few words.

As a result, not long after, countless people swarmed towards the Jun residence, surrounding it completely.

Another group went to protest outside the palace, demanding that the Emperor immediately order the arrest of Gu Qingluan..